National Diploma in Geotechnical Civil Engineering
This proposed outline focuses on soil behaviour and the ground conditions affecting civil works.
About the course
This proposed outline focuses on soil behaviour and the ground conditions affecting civil works. You will interpret site and laboratory information, assess foundation and retaining-structure problems and communicate recommendations with clear technical limits.
What you'll learn
Classify soil information and identify ground conditions requiring further investigation.
Apply stress, consolidation and shear-strength principles to defined problems.
Compare suitable foundation and retaining-structure options using supplied evidence.
Prepare a geotechnical report distinguishing measured results from assumptions.
Requirements
Prepare evidence of relevant certificate study or comparable prior learning for the provider's admission review. Refresh the subject knowledge, calculations and practical skills needed for diploma work. Plan access to the supervised workplace, laboratory or project resources required by the course.
Course content
The programme combines supporting studies, specialist subjects and practical integration. Each subject below includes its learning focus, outcomes, practice and assessment.
4 learning stages 19 subjects
1Specialist subjects9 subjects
2Foundations and shared practice3 subjects
3Practical integration4 subjects
4Specialist applications3 subjects
Subjects in this programme
The programme combines supporting studies, specialist subjects and practical integration. Each subject below includes its learning focus, outcomes, practice and assessment.
19 subjects are listed below with a short description of each. The Subject descriptions tab contains the learning outcomes, topics, practical tasks and assessments.
Specialist subjects
- Civil And Construction Engineering. Explore the coordination of materials, work methods and resources on a construction task. Practice centres on a construction method plan and inspection record, drawing on drawings, specifications and work requirements and materials, storage and site preparation. You will record findings, justify decisions and check buildability, resource assumptions and conformity with the brief.
- Computer Aided Design For Civil Engineering Structures. Explore the response of materials and structural elements to loads. Practice centres on a structural calculation and diagram portfolio, drawing on loads, supports and equilibrium and stress, strain and material response. You will record findings, justify decisions and check load paths, units, model assumptions and independent calculation checks.
- Water And Sanitation Engineering. Explore the control of pollution and the reliable operation of environmental services. Practice centres on an environmental-service performance and improvement report, drawing on sources, pathways and receiving environments and sampling, monitoring and data quality. You will record findings, justify decisions and check monitoring quality, treatment assumptions and maintenance feasibility.
- Highway Engineering. Explore the assessment of road infrastructure and traffic movement. Practice centres on a road or traffic observation and appraisal report, drawing on road functions and user needs and alignment, cross-sections and drainage concepts. You will record findings, justify decisions and check data quality, user needs and the limits of the proposed solution.
- Structural Engineering. Explore the response of materials and structural elements to loads. Practice centres on a structural calculation and diagram portfolio, drawing on loads, supports and equilibrium and stress, strain and material response. You will record findings, justify decisions and check load paths, units, model assumptions and independent calculation checks.
- Survey For Civil Engineering Works. Explore the measurement and representation of positions, levels and land features. Practice centres on a field record, calculation sheet and checked plan, drawing on coordinates, reference systems and control and survey equipment and field preparation. You will record findings, justify decisions and check reference consistency, closure checks and traceability of observations.
- Traffic Engineering. Explore the assessment of road infrastructure and traffic movement. Practice centres on a road or traffic observation and appraisal report, drawing on road functions and user needs and alignment, cross-sections and drainage concepts. You will record findings, justify decisions and check data quality, user needs and the limits of the proposed solution.
- Civil Engineering Research Methods. Explore the design of a focused investigation using traceable evidence. Practice centres on a research proposal and small investigation, drawing on problem definition and research questions and finding and evaluating literature. You will record findings, justify decisions and check whether the conclusions follow from the evidence.
- Project Management For Civil Engineering. Explore the planning and control of a defined project. Practice centres on a project plan with a progress and completion report, drawing on problem, objectives and scope and activities, dependencies and schedules. You will record findings, justify decisions and check the consistency of scope, resources, timing and evidence of completion.
Foundations and shared practice
- Strength Of Materials And Civil Engineering Calculations. Explore mathematical reasoning for interpreting measurements and solving vocational problems. Practice centres on a worked problem portfolio using occupational data, drawing on units, ratios and numerical accuracy and algebraic relationships and equations. You will record findings, justify decisions and check units, numerical accuracy and the reasonableness of the result.
- National Studies. Explore the relationship between citizenship, public institutions and working life. Practice centres on a local public-service case review, drawing on constitutional principles and public institutions and citizenship and civic responsibilities. You will record findings, justify decisions and check the distinction between fact, opinion and unsupported claims.
- Entrepreneurial Skills Development. Explore the development of a viable small enterprise from a defined customer need. Practice centres on a small-enterprise plan and test record, drawing on customer problems and enterprise opportunities and products, services and value propositions. You will record findings, justify decisions and check whether the financial assumptions and customer evidence support the proposal.
Practical integration
- Project. Bring together the programme's technical learning in a focused project. Choose a manageable problem involving civil and construction engineering, computer aided design for civil engineering structures. Define the required output, gather evidence and develop a justified response. Present the completed work with its method, results and limitations, then explain the improvements made following feedback.
- On The Job Education And Training. Apply your learning through agreed duties in a supervised workplace. You will connect civil and construction engineering, computer aided design for civil engineering structures with routine service or production responsibilities. Keep evidence of preparation, work completed and feedback. Review your progress with the supervisor and explain how your decisions affect quality, safety and other people.
- Skills Proficiency. Demonstrate the practical skills developed across the programme. Tasks integrate civil and construction engineering, computer aided design for civil engineering structures within an agreed work brief. You will prepare resources, carry out the authorised task and check the result. Your evidence should show consistent performance, accurate records and an explanation of decisions within your learner role.
- Geotechnical Investigation Project. Bring together the programme's technical learning in a focused project. Choose a manageable problem involving civil and construction engineering, computer aided design for civil engineering structures. Define the required output, gather evidence and develop a justified response. Present the completed work with its method, results and limitations, then explain the improvements made following feedback.
Specialist applications
- Engineering Geology and Ground Investigation. Explore the behaviour of ground materials and their effects on engineering work. Practice centres on a ground-condition report using supplied site and test data, drawing on soil and rock identification and site information and sampling records. You will record findings, justify decisions and check the separation of observations, assumptions and conclusions.
- Soil Mechanics and Settlement. Explore the behaviour of ground materials and their effects on engineering work. Practice centres on a ground-condition report using supplied site and test data, drawing on soil and rock identification and site information and sampling records. You will record findings, justify decisions and check the separation of observations, assumptions and conclusions.
- Foundations and Retaining Structures. Explore the response of materials and structural elements to loads. Practice centres on a structural calculation and diagram portfolio, drawing on loads, supports and equilibrium and stress, strain and material response. You will record findings, justify decisions and check load paths, units, model assumptions and independent calculation checks.
Assessment and practical learning
- Suggested learning checks: analyse applied problems and justify your decisions using relevant evidence.
- Suggested practical assessment: complete a supervised project or portfolio with a clear method, results and evaluation.
- Present and defend your recommendations, then revise the work in response to assessor feedback.
Practical application
Analyse a supplied site-investigation file and supervised soil-test results for a small building or road project. Compare foundation or earthwork options, explain uncertainty and identify where additional investigation is needed.
Subject descriptions
Select a subject to read its learning outcomes, main topics, practical task and assessment.
Specialist subjects
Civil And Construction Engineering
Explore the coordination of materials, work methods and resources on a construction task. Practice centres on a construction method plan and inspection record, drawing on drawings, specifications and work requirements and materials, storage and site preparation. You will record findings, justify decisions and check buildability, resource assumptions and conformity with the brief.
Learning outcomes
- Interpret the information needed to prepare a construction task.
- Plan a suitable sequence with resources and quality checks.
- Evaluate completed work using drawings and inspection evidence.
Main topics
- Drawings, specifications and work requirements
- Materials, storage and site preparation
- Work methods and construction sequence
- Labour, plant and resource coordination
- Inspection, measurement and quality records
- Site responsibilities, handover and defects
Practical task
For Civil And Construction Engineering, prepare a construction method plan and inspection record in a geotechnical civil engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of buildability, resource assumptions and conformity with the brief.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Computer Aided Design For Civil Engineering Structures
Explore the response of materials and structural elements to loads. Practice centres on a structural calculation and diagram portfolio, drawing on loads, supports and equilibrium and stress, strain and material response. You will record findings, justify decisions and check load paths, units, model assumptions and independent calculation checks.
Learning outcomes
- Represent a defined load case with a clear structural model.
- Calculate a relevant force, stress or deformation.
- Evaluate the result against the stated assumptions and constraints.
Main topics
- Loads, supports and equilibrium
- Stress, strain and material response
- Axial force, shear and bending
- Deflection and serviceability concepts
- Member behaviour and connection principles
- Calculation checks and technical presentation
- Linked theory, planning and practical evidence for the subject
Practical task
For Computer Aided Design For Civil Engineering Structures, prepare a structural calculation and diagram portfolio in a geotechnical civil engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of load paths, units, model assumptions and independent calculation checks.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence. The linked theory and practical components are assessed through written reasoning and observed or recorded application.
Water And Sanitation Engineering
Explore the control of pollution and the reliable operation of environmental services. Practice centres on an environmental-service performance and improvement report, drawing on sources, pathways and receiving environments and sampling, monitoring and data quality. You will record findings, justify decisions and check monitoring quality, treatment assumptions and maintenance feasibility.
Learning outcomes
- Identify an environmental problem and relevant monitoring evidence.
- Compare treatment or prevention options using stated criteria.
- Prepare an improvement plan with practical performance measures.
Main topics
- Sources, pathways and receiving environments
- Sampling, monitoring and data quality
- Treatment or prevention principles
- Operating resources and maintenance
- Waste handling and environmental responsibilities
- Performance assessment and improvement planning
Practical task
For Water And Sanitation Engineering, prepare an environmental-service performance and improvement report in a geotechnical civil engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of monitoring quality, treatment assumptions and maintenance feasibility.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Highway Engineering
Explore the assessment of road infrastructure and traffic movement. Practice centres on a road or traffic observation and appraisal report, drawing on road functions and user needs and alignment, cross-sections and drainage concepts. You will record findings, justify decisions and check data quality, user needs and the limits of the proposed solution.
Learning outcomes
- Interpret road or traffic observations using a consistent method.
- Explain how design and condition affect movement and safety.
- Prepare a justified improvement or maintenance recommendation.
Main topics
- Road functions and user needs
- Alignment, cross-sections and drainage concepts
- Materials and pavement behaviour
- Traffic counts and operating conditions
- Safety, access and maintenance needs
- Data interpretation and improvement options
Practical task
For Highway Engineering, prepare a road or traffic observation and appraisal report in a geotechnical civil engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of data quality, user needs and the limits of the proposed solution.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Structural Engineering
Explore the response of materials and structural elements to loads. Practice centres on a structural calculation and diagram portfolio, drawing on loads, supports and equilibrium and stress, strain and material response. You will record findings, justify decisions and check load paths, units, model assumptions and independent calculation checks.
Learning outcomes
- Represent a defined load case with a clear structural model.
- Calculate a relevant force, stress or deformation.
- Evaluate the result against the stated assumptions and constraints.
Main topics
- Loads, supports and equilibrium
- Stress, strain and material response
- Axial force, shear and bending
- Deflection and serviceability concepts
- Member behaviour and connection principles
- Calculation checks and technical presentation
Practical task
For Structural Engineering, prepare a structural calculation and diagram portfolio in a geotechnical civil engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of load paths, units, model assumptions and independent calculation checks.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Survey For Civil Engineering Works
Explore the measurement and representation of positions, levels and land features. Practice centres on a field record, calculation sheet and checked plan, drawing on coordinates, reference systems and control and survey equipment and field preparation. You will record findings, justify decisions and check reference consistency, closure checks and traceability of observations.
Learning outcomes
- Plan observations around a stated mapping or setting-out need.
- Record and reduce measurements with appropriate checks.
- Produce a spatial output and explain its accuracy limits.
Main topics
- Coordinates, reference systems and control
- Survey equipment and field preparation
- Distances, angles, levels and observations
- Field records and error checking
- Calculations, mapping and data presentation
- Accuracy, limitations and survey reporting
Practical task
For Survey For Civil Engineering Works, prepare a field record, calculation sheet and checked plan in a geotechnical civil engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of reference consistency, closure checks and traceability of observations.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Traffic Engineering
Explore the assessment of road infrastructure and traffic movement. Practice centres on a road or traffic observation and appraisal report, drawing on road functions and user needs and alignment, cross-sections and drainage concepts. You will record findings, justify decisions and check data quality, user needs and the limits of the proposed solution.
Learning outcomes
- Interpret road or traffic observations using a consistent method.
- Explain how design and condition affect movement and safety.
- Prepare a justified improvement or maintenance recommendation.
Main topics
- Road functions and user needs
- Alignment, cross-sections and drainage concepts
- Materials and pavement behaviour
- Traffic counts and operating conditions
- Safety, access and maintenance needs
- Data interpretation and improvement options
Practical task
For Traffic Engineering, prepare a road or traffic observation and appraisal report in a geotechnical civil engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of data quality, user needs and the limits of the proposed solution.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Civil Engineering Research Methods
Explore the design of a focused investigation using traceable evidence. Practice centres on a research proposal and small investigation, drawing on problem definition and research questions and finding and evaluating literature. You will record findings, justify decisions and check whether the conclusions follow from the evidence.
Learning outcomes
- Formulate a question suited to the available evidence and resources.
- Collect and analyse information using a documented method.
- Present conclusions supported by findings and stated limitations.
Main topics
- Problem definition and research questions
- Finding and evaluating literature
- Sampling and data-collection choices
- Consent, confidentiality and research integrity
- Organising and analysing evidence
- Interpreting results and reporting limitations
Practical task
For Civil Engineering Research Methods, prepare a research proposal and small investigation in a geotechnical civil engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of whether the conclusions follow from the evidence.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Project Management For Civil Engineering
Explore the planning and control of a defined project. Practice centres on a project plan with a progress and completion report, drawing on problem, objectives and scope and activities, dependencies and schedules. You will record findings, justify decisions and check the consistency of scope, resources, timing and evidence of completion.
Learning outcomes
- Translate a project brief into a workable plan.
- Track progress, expenditure and changes against the plan.
- Evaluate delivery and identify practical improvements.
Main topics
- Problem, objectives and scope
- Activities, dependencies and schedules
- Resources, budgets and procurement needs
- Stakeholders and communication
- Risk, quality and change control
- Progress measures, completion and lessons
Practical task
For Project Management For Civil Engineering, prepare a project plan with a progress and completion report in a geotechnical civil engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of the consistency of scope, resources, timing and evidence of completion.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Foundations and shared practice
Strength Of Materials And Civil Engineering Calculations
Explore mathematical reasoning for interpreting measurements and solving vocational problems. Practice centres on a worked problem portfolio using occupational data, drawing on units, ratios and numerical accuracy and algebraic relationships and equations. You will record findings, justify decisions and check units, numerical accuracy and the reasonableness of the result.
Learning outcomes
- Select a mathematical method suited to a stated problem.
- Show calculations with consistent units and clear assumptions.
- Check the result against an independent estimate or known constraint.
Main topics
- Units, ratios and numerical accuracy
- Algebraic relationships and equations
- Graphs, tables and interpretation
- Geometry and measurement applications
- Descriptive statistics and variation
- Model assumptions, checking and technical reporting
Practical task
For Strength Of Materials And Civil Engineering Calculations, prepare a worked problem portfolio using occupational data in a geotechnical civil engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of units, numerical accuracy and the reasonableness of the result.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
National Studies
Explore the relationship between citizenship, public institutions and working life. Practice centres on a local public-service case review, drawing on constitutional principles and public institutions and citizenship and civic responsibilities. You will record findings, justify decisions and check the distinction between fact, opinion and unsupported claims.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the role of public institutions in a community issue.
- Compare perspectives using identifiable evidence.
- Prepare a reasoned civic or workplace contribution.
Main topics
- Constitutional principles and public institutions
- Citizenship and civic responsibilities
- Zimbabwean history and national development
- Cultural diversity and community participation
- Work, enterprise and public services
- Evidence, public debate and responsible participation
Practical task
For National Studies, prepare a local public-service case review in a geotechnical civil engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of the distinction between fact, opinion and unsupported claims.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Entrepreneurial Skills Development
Explore the development of a viable small enterprise from a defined customer need. Practice centres on a small-enterprise plan and test record, drawing on customer problems and enterprise opportunities and products, services and value propositions. You will record findings, justify decisions and check whether the financial assumptions and customer evidence support the proposal.
Learning outcomes
- Define a customer need and a practical enterprise response.
- Estimate resources, costs and cash requirements.
- Revise a business proposal using evidence from a small market test.
Main topics
- Customer problems and enterprise opportunities
- Products, services and value propositions
- Startup resources and operating costs
- Pricing, cash flow and basic records
- Market testing and customer feedback
- Business risks, responsibilities and growth choices
Practical task
For Entrepreneurial Skills Development, prepare a small-enterprise plan and test record in a geotechnical civil engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of whether the financial assumptions and customer evidence support the proposal.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Practical integration
Project
Bring together the programme's technical learning in a focused project. Choose a manageable problem involving civil and construction engineering, computer aided design for civil engineering structures. Define the required output, gather evidence and develop a justified response. Present the completed work with its method, results and limitations, then explain the improvements made following feedback.
Learning outcomes
- Define a feasible project with clear success criteria.
- Develop and evaluate a response using technical evidence.
- Present the completed project and defend its conclusions.
Main topics
- Project problem, purpose and scope
- Review of relevant technical evidence
- Plan, resources and milestones
- Implementation or structured investigation
- Testing, interpretation and limitations
- Final report, demonstration and reflection
Practical task
Analyse a supplied site-investigation file and supervised soil-test results for a small building or road project. Compare foundation or earthwork options, explain uncertainty and identify where additional investigation is needed.
Assessment
An approved brief, progress evidence, the final output and an individual presentation are assessed against the stated project criteria.
On The Job Education And Training
Apply your learning through agreed duties in a supervised workplace. You will connect civil and construction engineering, computer aided design for civil engineering structures with routine service or production responsibilities. Keep evidence of preparation, work completed and feedback. Review your progress with the supervisor and explain how your decisions affect quality, safety and other people.
Learning outcomes
- Complete agreed duties within the supervised role.
- Maintain a traceable record of work and feedback.
- Evaluate progress and identify specific development needs.
Main topics
- Workplace induction and agreed duties
- Applying technical knowledge to real work
- Work records and evidence of contribution
- Team communication and professional conduct
- Supervisor feedback and skills development
- Reflective review and future learning priorities
Practical task
Complete supervised duties linked to National Diploma in Geotechnical Civil Engineering. Keep a logbook, samples of permitted work and supervisor feedback.
Assessment
Assessment uses the agreed work plan, supervisor observation, work evidence and an individual reflective discussion.
Skills Proficiency
Demonstrate the practical skills developed across the programme. Tasks integrate civil and construction engineering, computer aided design for civil engineering structures within an agreed work brief. You will prepare resources, carry out the authorised task and check the result. Your evidence should show consistent performance, accurate records and an explanation of decisions within your learner role.
Learning outcomes
- Plan and complete an integrated task to agreed criteria.
- Demonstrate safe and consistent practical performance.
- Explain the result and correct identified weaknesses.
Main topics
- Interpreting an integrated work brief
- Preparing tools, information and resources
- Demonstrating the required technical skills
- Checking output against agreed criteria
- Responding to faults and assessor feedback
- Presenting evidence and explaining decisions
Practical task
Analyse a supplied site-investigation file and supervised soil-test results for a small building or road project. Compare foundation or earthwork options, explain uncertainty and identify where additional investigation is needed.
Assessment
Direct observation, the completed output, a quality-check record and oral questions provide the evidence for this subject.
Geotechnical Investigation Project
Bring together the programme's technical learning in a focused project. Choose a manageable problem involving civil and construction engineering, computer aided design for civil engineering structures. Define the required output, gather evidence and develop a justified response. Present the completed work with its method, results and limitations, then explain the improvements made following feedback.
Learning outcomes
- Define a feasible project with clear success criteria.
- Develop and evaluate a response using technical evidence.
- Present the completed project and defend its conclusions.
Main topics
- Project problem, purpose and scope
- Review of relevant technical evidence
- Plan, resources and milestones
- Implementation or structured investigation
- Testing, interpretation and limitations
- Final report, demonstration and reflection
Practical task
Analyse a supplied site-investigation file and supervised soil-test results for a small building or road project. Compare foundation or earthwork options, explain uncertainty and identify where additional investigation is needed.
Assessment
An approved brief, progress evidence, the final output and an individual presentation are assessed against the stated project criteria.
Specialist applications
Engineering Geology and Ground Investigation
Explore the behaviour of ground materials and their effects on engineering work. Practice centres on a ground-condition report using supplied site and test data, drawing on soil and rock identification and site information and sampling records. You will record findings, justify decisions and check the separation of observations, assumptions and conclusions.
Learning outcomes
- Describe ground conditions using observations and test records.
- Interpret a defined soil or rock behaviour problem.
- Recommend a justified next investigation or construction consideration.
Main topics
- Soil and rock identification
- Site information and sampling records
- Moisture, density and material behaviour
- Stress, settlement and shear concepts
- Ground conditions and construction choices
- Test interpretation and reporting uncertainty
Practical task
For Engineering Geology and Ground Investigation, prepare a ground-condition report using supplied site and test data in a geotechnical civil engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of the separation of observations, assumptions and conclusions.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Soil Mechanics and Settlement
Explore the behaviour of ground materials and their effects on engineering work. Practice centres on a ground-condition report using supplied site and test data, drawing on soil and rock identification and site information and sampling records. You will record findings, justify decisions and check the separation of observations, assumptions and conclusions.
Learning outcomes
- Describe ground conditions using observations and test records.
- Interpret a defined soil or rock behaviour problem.
- Recommend a justified next investigation or construction consideration.
Main topics
- Soil and rock identification
- Site information and sampling records
- Moisture, density and material behaviour
- Stress, settlement and shear concepts
- Ground conditions and construction choices
- Test interpretation and reporting uncertainty
Practical task
For Soil Mechanics and Settlement, prepare a ground-condition report using supplied site and test data in a geotechnical civil engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of the separation of observations, assumptions and conclusions.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Foundations and Retaining Structures
Explore the response of materials and structural elements to loads. Practice centres on a structural calculation and diagram portfolio, drawing on loads, supports and equilibrium and stress, strain and material response. You will record findings, justify decisions and check load paths, units, model assumptions and independent calculation checks.
Learning outcomes
- Represent a defined load case with a clear structural model.
- Calculate a relevant force, stress or deformation.
- Evaluate the result against the stated assumptions and constraints.
Main topics
- Loads, supports and equilibrium
- Stress, strain and material response
- Axial force, shear and bending
- Deflection and serviceability concepts
- Member behaviour and connection principles
- Calculation checks and technical presentation
Practical task
For Foundations and Retaining Structures, prepare a structural calculation and diagram portfolio in a geotechnical civil engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of load paths, units, model assumptions and independent calculation checks.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Instructors
